The Face of Steven Wayne Elmore, Impaired Driver Prevention Day

    CTIA Celebrates National Wireless Safety Week - May 21st - 27th, 2001

    WASHINGTON, May 25 The Cellular Telecommunications &
Internet Association (CTIA) and its member companies recognize the inherent
safety value phones play in reporting impaired, drunk and aggressive drivers.
No one knows this better than Steven Wayne Elmore.
    Two years ago, Steven and his entire family were nearly killed when a
drunk driver struck them. This past October, Steven's heart sank when he
realized he was driving behind a car swerving erratically. He became even more
alarmed as he watched the driver toss a beer bottle out of the window. Steven
grabbed his wireless phone and dialed 911 and was connected with the police.
The 911 operator asked Steven to describe the car and also to stay with the
vehicle to relay location points. Minutes later, the police pulled behind the
drunk driver and ordered him to the side of the road. The call Steven made on
his wireless phone may have prevented the injury or death of countless
individuals that night.
    "This holiday weekend, when according to the AAA, a record 28.5 million
travelers will be on our nation's highways, the wireless industry is urging
individuals to be good Samaritans and report suspected drunk, impaired and
aggressive drivers," stated CTIA's president & CEO Tom Wheeler.  One call
could save countless lives.  However, be sure when doing so to use your phone
safely and responsibly."
    When used appropriately, wireless phones are the greatest safety tools
since the development of 911.  Everyday, nearly 140,000 emergency service
calls are placed from wireless phones.  That's 96 calls per minute!
    CTIA reminds drivers that if they decide to use their phone while driving,
to first ask themselves,

    *     "Is this the right time to make a call?"
    *     "Will this call distract me from my first responsibility to drive
          safely?"

    If they do decide to call, CTIA encourages individuals to follow some
basic dos and don'ts:

    *     Let the person you are talking with know you're driving;
    *     Keep the call short;
    *     Use a hands free device and speed dial to place calls;
    *     Never take notes or look up phone numbers while driving;
    *     Never use your phone in heavy traffic or hazardous conditions; and
    *     Let voicemail pick-up.

    CTIA also reminds drivers that state laws prohibit distracted driving.
    CTIA is celebrating National Wireless Safety Week by profiling the "Faces
of Safety."  Each day an important aspect of safety will be highlighted along
with a wireless hero who armed with their wireless phone, stopped a crime,
assisted a neighbor or saved a loved one.  In the coming days, look for the
stories of Kay Brooks (Disaster Relief Day) and Erica Richardson (School
Safety Day).

    CTIA is the international association for the wireless telecommunications
industry, representing all elements of wireless communications.  The CTIA
Wireless Foundation supports programs that address some of our nation's
greatest challenges through creative applications of wireless technology.

                       http://www.DriveResponsibly.org

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